Roulette may seem like an easy game: a ball spins, a wheel spins, you either win or you lose. Yet the games are different. The house edge is different. The number of zeros on the wheel is different. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to the three main variations: European Roulette, American Roulette, and French Roulette. We’ll explain the rules, the odds, and the house edge for each. We’ll explain where you might find each version. We’ll explain which offers better value and why. We’ll use plain English. We’ll explain the maths. We’ll only recommend responsible gambling.
Quick verdict: French Roulette variants (La Partage or En Prison rules) offer the best value on even-money bets. European Roulette variants are the next best. American Roulette variants have the worst house edge, as they have an additional 00.
The thing about roulette is that there are numbered pockets on the wheel, the croupier (or an online random number generator) rolls the wheel and drops a ball, and players bet on what pocket it will land in. You can bet on individual numbers or groups of numbers (“inside bets,” usually have higher payouts but lower chance of winning) or you can bet on whether it will land in a red pocket or a black pocket, whether it will land in an odd or even pocket, whether it will land in a higher or lower numbered pocket (“outside bets” that typically have lower payouts but higher chances of winning).
The problem is that the zero pocket (and, in American roulette, the double zero pocket) isn’t considered to be red or black, odd or even, or high or low, and it goes to the house, and the payouts on the other pockets don’t quite reflect the odds of winning, and the difference between the odds of winning and the payouts is the house’s edge. And if you have more zeros, that edge goes up.
You can play in a land casino, or in an online live dealer or RNG game. The rules dictate the odds. The medium (live or RNG) does not affect the mathematics. The software must be fair and payouts must be made in accordance with regulations. For example, see the UK Gambling Commission technical standards: UKGC RTS.
37 pocket European wheel (with a single zero) 0, with the standard house edge of 2.70% on most bets. The house edge comes from the zero pocket: if the ball lands there, the even-money bets will lose.
Common rules:
Recommended for: anyone who wants to play with more reasonable house odds and isn't wedded to American. It's widely available in Europe and on the Internet. For house edge information and the rules, visit Wizard of Odds: Roulette.
The American wheel has 38 pockets: 1–36, 0, and 00. The 00 pocket is not your friend. It brings the house edge up to around 5.26% on most bets. The payouts are the same as European, but the odds are less favourable because of the additional zero pocket.
The “five-number” bet on 0, 00, 1, 2, 3 has an even higher house edge of around 7.89%. This is the worst bet on the layout. Avoid it. You can read the full breakdown here: Wizard of Odds.
Some US casinos have a “surrender” rule on even-money bets. If the ball lands on 0 or 00, you lose half of your bet. This is a version of La Partage. It halves the house edge on even-money bets. This is not common. Always check the table rules. See more on variants and special rules: Roulette Variants (Wizard of Odds).
Ideal for: those whose only exposure to the game are American wheels, usually found in North America. And if you do play, do so within reason and on outside bets.
Like the European wheel, the French wheel has 37 numbers and a single zero.
What matters is the special rule on even-money bets that applies when the zero shows up.
You can also make “announced” (or “call”) bets on the racetrack:
Best for: players who want the lowest edge on even‑money bets. It is great for bankroll care. It is common in Europe and in many live dealer lobbies online.
| European | 37 | 0 | ~2.70% | ~1.35% if La Partage is offered | Sometimes La Partage online; racetrack bets common | Europe, online worldwide |
| American | 38 | 0 and 00 | ~5.26% | Can drop if “surrender” is offered (rare) | “Five‑number” bet exists (avoid) | North America, some cruise ships, online |
| French | 37 | 0 | ~2.70% | ~1.35% with La Partage or En Prison | La Partage/En Prison on even‑money bets; racetrack bets | Europe, many live dealer rooms |
Why the big gap? Zeros do not pay you on even‑money bets. More zero pockets mean more small losses over time. Special rules like La Partage or En Prison give you half back or a second chance when zero hits. That cuts the pain and the edge.
Zero isn’t a paying number for even-money wagers.
Some versions offer La Partage or En Prison options that return half or give you another spin when zero wins. That reduces the sting and house edge.
Second, check game testing. Look for labs like eCOGRA and iTech Labs. These labs test RNG fairness and payout claims.
Third, check the roulette mix and the rules. Does the site offer French tables with La Partage or En Prison? Are withdrawal times clear? Are there tools to set limits?
Also, consider the table limits. A lower minimum bet is better for a smaller bankroll. Live dealer games deal fewer hands per hour, so the bankroll will last longer. RNG games deal more hands per hour but may offer lower minimum bets. If the rules are the same, the math is the same.
Next, we want to make sure there are independent labs on board to test the games. eCOGRA or iTech are good examples of this, they will check if the Random Number Generators are operating fairly, and if the payout levels are being met.
For clear math on edges and payouts, study Wizard of Odds. It is a top resource used by many pros and researchers.
In the UK you can visit the GamCare or BeGambleAware websites.
Please gamble responsibly.
That's the website most of us use to do research.
Often yes, especially in Europe and in many live dealer rooms worldwide. Always check local laws and site licensing. Look for “French roulette,” “La Partage,” or “En Prison” in the table rules.
La Partage or En Prison offers half back or another spin on zero. That cuts the house edge in half to around 1.35 on those bets.
Start with even‑money bets (red/black, odd/even, high/low). They hit more often and are simple to track. If you can, use French tables with La Partage or En Prison to lower the edge.
That extra 00 provides more ways to lose, with the same return.
Last updated: 2025-12-25. Information is for education only. Gambling involves risk. Only play if you are of legal age in your area. If you need help, contact the support groups listed above.